Audubon Aquarium Opens GEAUX FISH! A New Exhibit Celebrating the Gulf Coast Fishing Industry

NEW ORLEANS, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is excited to announce the opening of a new interactive exhibit that shines light on Louisiana's fishing industry. GEAUX FISH! offers visitors a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn about Louisiana's fishing industry, while educating guests about the importance of protecting these abundant aquatic resources.

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Located in the Aquarium's Changing Exhibits Gallery, guests can cast a virtual reel, identify local species, visit a seafood market, or hop on a fishing boat. GEAUX FISH! immerses visitors in Louisiana's aquatic ecosystems through exhibitry fit for all ages.

GEAUX FISH! highlights stories of enhancing the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation.  Visitors learn how Audubon and its partners respond to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles through success stories from The Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP).

Visitors also learn about Audubon's latest initiative, Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (G.U.L.F.).  This new program is dedicated to maintaining healthy, well-managed fisheries and conserving wild habitat with a goal of affirming the region's ecologically responsible approach to fisheries management.

"Audubon's mission has always been to celebrate the wonders of nature, and GEAUX FISH! is an exciting opportunity for us to expand our already considerable presence in the landscape of conservation through an entertaining and memorable way," said Audubon's President and CEO Ron Forman.   "It is essential that we teach our children about the importance of a vibrant, well-managed marine ecosystem so we can enjoy an abundance of aquatic life in the future."

The exhibit features six new exhibits that highlight the various game fish, bait fish, and commercial seafood of Louisiana. In addition, there are two life-sized boats that feature interactive fishing games, a seafood market, and play area.  Also, the visitor favorite Stingray Touch Pool is open for daily chats and feeds.

GEAUX FISH! opened on Thursday, July 4, 2013 and is located on the second floor of Audubon Aquarium. The exhibit is free with Aquarium admission.

Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX^® Theatre, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Center for the Research of Endangered Species, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Special Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park.

SOURCE Audubon Nature Institute